alec_lightwood | Not all rescues involve prison breaks (for magna

No matter how much Alec wanted Magnus to stay with him, it was impossible while he was at the Institute. During the day, the other Shadowhunters would let her follow him around, giving her a wide berth and glaring at them both but at night, it was forbidden for her to remain on the grounds. Not that Magnus had followed those rules. She snuck into his room most nights, curling up with him as they both fought off nightmares based on the things Sebastian had done to them.

The nightmares became less frequent the more time they spent together and Alec found himself hoping for her to visit, his mood turning dark whenever she couldn't be near.

No matter how often he told himself that she had to work, he could never shake off the sadness that lingered in his thoughts whenever she didn't sneak into his room. After a few nights' absence, Alec's nerves were strung tight, afraid that Sebastian had found her. When he was sure that no one would notice he was missing, he changed into his gear and slipped out of his quarters, instinct and her hints about her life away from the Institute guiding him into the village. Listening in to a few rumors about the new girl who cast spells led him to a small hut that made him pause.

He had to be wrong... Magnus couldn't be here...

Before moving toward the hut, he checked for any sign that there was anyone nearby. When he was sure they'd both be safe, he crept to the door, calling out to her before even trying the door. "Magnus, are you here?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

By the time she'd finished the last job after days of as many jobs as she could muster, she drug herself home. Well, to what she called home. But it was merely a place to stay and a bed to sleep in. The only reason either were considered inhabitable was because she made it with her magic. The effort had left her exhausted for days. Which meant smaller jobs that got barely enough to eat each day.

Not that she could really do the biggest jobs. That would draw Sebastian's attention. So she laid low and scraped by. Normally silken waves were gathered up in a bit of string tied up messily even if she still managed to look lovely. Which said a lot for the drastic overhaul in her mode of dress while broke. And the nice things she had... she saved for when she went to see Alec.

When Alec came to the door, she'd just sunken down on the bed unlacing the leather corset eyes closed in tired exhaustion. Too bad there'd really been no sleep for her. Not when every time she closed her eyes she thought Sebastian was there. It had made her want to run to the institute to see Alec... but it was so late. He'd be sleeping surely.

Lifting her head at the voice, she blinked her catlike eyes in surprise. Rising to her feet, she pulled a cloak about her shoulders and moved to the door quickly. Opening it, she stared in surprised at the young hunter decked out in his gear. "Alec? What... is everything okay?"

Tensing slightly when he heard someone moving near the door, his hand crept toward one of his knives, but then he began to relax when he saw it was Magnus inside. Instantly, guilt crept through him as he saw her wrapped up in her cloak, belatedly realizing that she would assume the worst about his visit. "Nothing's wrong. I'm sorry. I..."

Slowly he began to notice little details about her. Her clothes were more ragged than he'd seen before, which made him wonder what was happening to her when she wasn't at the Institute with him. Most would think she looked pretty, and she did, but she also looked incredibly tired. She looked like she was worn down, although not as much as she had when she had rescued him.

Frowning slightly, he stepped closer, reaching out to touch her hair. When he realized what he was doing, Alec paused to give her a questioning look, silently asking for permission to touch. "You didn't visit." His voice was soft but he still mentally winced at how sad he sounded. "I know you're busy and it's late but I wanted to see you."

Her eyes likely had never looked so imploring and concerned as she waited for his answer. And when he finally did say nothing was wrong, she almost sank with relief. Her current state really wasn't good for fighting or going on a mission... but then she realized something. He looked so sad and forlorn there in her doorway.

When his hand stopped before touching her hair, she gave him an encouraging smile. Just before a hand reached up to cup the back of his neck and pull him inside. When she closed the door with a thought, she rose up on her toes and wrapped her arms about his neck completely forgetting the half state of dress. "I'm sorry... I needed to work some more jobs... I didn't want to wake you."

Pressing closer to him, she pressed her face into his chest breathing him in. The relief at feeling him close washed over her like a flood as warmth seemed to finally return. "You came to see me..." The marvel in her voice showed the happiness at the prospect. She was so happy, in fact, that she instantly bounced up to kiss his cheek. "I'm glad you're here... even if 'here' is just a little hovel."

His chest ached as he met her gaze. Alec hadn't meant to worry her. He hadn't even considered what she might think if she found him on her doorstep.... in his gear.

He's only worn it because he was so used to wearing it at night. It also made it easier to carry the weapons that he now wore whenever he left the Institute. He hadn't realized that it might look like he was going out hunting. "I didn't mean to... Everything's fine."

That smile reassured him that she wasn't angry at him for not thinking things through and that he could touch her hair. As Magnus pulled him inside, he brushed his fingers over her hair when she snuggled close. "It's okay, Magnus. I know you have to work. You wouldn't have woken me up."

He didn't want to admit that he couldn't sleep whenever she wasn't near. That wasn't the reason he'd wanted to see her. Smiling softly at how happy she seemed to be that he visited, he gently rubbed the back of her neck. "I would have..."

The words trailed off as Magnus brushed her lips against his cheek, a brilliant blush warming his skin. Blinking down at her, he tried to remember if anyone had ever kissed him like that before.... or at least someone who wasn't a kid or one of his relatives and realized Magnus was the first. "I missed you."

Holding her close, Alec looked around the hut, realizing that it was just basic shelter and that she deserved more than that. Magnus deserved somewhere warm and safe where she could be happy. "We'll find you a better place tomorrow."

Hugging him tighter, she slipped one set of fingers into his hair. The soft silken strands made her smile as they slipped like water through her fingers. "It's okay. As long as you're okay." It had been too long. She missed him. She knew that. But until he stood in front of her, she honestly hadn't realized how much.

Leaning into the hand in her hair, she smiled happily. The quality was almost dream like as she sighed out a soft noise. "I usually beat you to it, I suppose." In the warmth of his arms she felt at home... content and safe. "I'm so happy you're here..."

Her voice trailed off as she said it, a gentle sigh drifting against his neck. "I missed you, Alec... terribly so." But knowing now that he would have wanted her to come anyway meant she wouldn't have to stay away. And his room was much nicer than this place. "I'm sorry I didn't come see you sooner..."

Pulling her face out of his neck long enough to follow his gaze, her cheeks heated up at the small space with no more than a bed and a place to keep her things. "I can't afford somewhere else... you know that. And I'm not about to take up the tavern offers to sell myself either."

It wasn't until he felt Magnus' fingers in his hair that he realized how tense he had been as he'd waited for her to visit. Letting out quiet sigh, he rested his cheek against her head, reassured that they were both safe. "And you're okay too."

That more than anything was what he'd needed to know. She comforted him when the nightmares hit, but there was more to it than that. If she was close, he knew she was safe and that Sebastian couldn't hurt her again. Now that he knew she was all right, he could begin to relax again. "Yeah you do. I'm happy I found you."

Even if it had been in the middle of horror, he was grateful to have her. And that she was so happy to see him. The thought warmed him in a way he hadn't thought possible even before he'd been captured. His family cared for him, but Alec was usually forgotten when compared to his siblings. It was something he didn't mind, not exactly, but having someone excited because he was near was something strange that he couldn't help enjoying.

Shivering at the feeling of her breath against his neck, he began running his hand along her spine to gently rub the back of her neck. "You're always welcome, Magnus. I don't care what time it is. I always want to see you."

Guilt had him wishing that he had visited sooner so he'd known what she was going through. But now that he knew, he refused to let her continue living in a shack, barely managing to take care of herself. "No, you aren't working there. Since you can't afford a better place, then we'll find a way to afford it. Together." His blush brightened as he silently hoped that she wouldn't refuse his offer to help. "If you don't mind."

"I'm okay." Replying quietly, she smiled to herself gently. He made her feel important. Like her existence mattered. And it made her heart flutter in her chest just knowing it. He did that to her every time he let her curl up with him and stay close. Every time he checked to make sure she was okay when they went on a hunt together...

She could feel him relax as she rubbed at his scalp and neck. He felt warm and strong all at once and it made her want to just curl up in his arms and go to sleep. Strange, but true. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was staying. I just... didn't figure you'd want to come to a little shack at the edge of the village." She huffed a laugh against his neck, smiling at how silly she sounded. The truth was, she didn't want to be a burden.

"I'll remember that... that I can come to see you." More than willingly. Staying away felt more exhausting. "Want to curl up on the bed with me? Or do you want to go to the Institute?" She didn't want to make him stay here in the poor excuse for a house. Hugging him tighter, she whispered into his neck she missed him again but didn't voice it too loud.

"Alec..." She spoke softly before gently lowering back flat footed to look up at him. Watching him a moment, she smiled just a little. "All right. Only if you move in with me." Winking at him, she slipped her hands down his arms and caught his hands. Drawing him toward the bed, she waited till the back of her leg hit the bed before she leaned forward to just rest her cheek to his chest. "I'm sorry... that I'm such a burden."

Now that he knew that she was safe, Alec began to feel normal again instead of like he was expecting something horrible to swoop down on them. They were together. They would take care of each other. Which was something he hadn't been doing as well as he should.

He'd made sure that Magnus was safe from Sebastian and his followers, but he'd been too caught up in the Clave's questioning and trying not to hover too much that he hadn't treated Magnus the way he should have. Leaning into her touch, he gently cupped the back of her neck. "I should've visited sooner. I just didn't... I didn't know if you needed time alone."

After the things Sebastian had probably done to her, it wouldn't have surprised Alec if she didn't want to be near people. Even if they were helping each other she could still need to be away from him. It'd seemed logical before but as he held her it seemed silly to believe that. If she wanted him to stay away, she would have told him so. "I should have visited sooner."

Pulling away slightly, he met her gaze, smiling softly at her. "I always want to see you." Slowly, the smile turned to a relieved grin when she offered to let him curl up with her. Alec still wasn't sure about asking to be close to her, afraid she'd think he was trying to take advantage of her. But he wanted to be with her as much as possible. "Let's stay here." They were both tired and even if the hut was run down, it was still safe and warm.

Before she pulled away, he whispered that he'd missed her too, catching her hands and threading his fingers between hers. "I'd like to move in, if that's what you want." The Institute was safer but it'd never feel that way to him without Magnus beside him. Jace would watch his back, but it felt different when Magnus was near. He'd always worry about her and he knew that she worried just as much about him.

As they neared the bed, his chest ached at the thought of Magnus believing that she was a burden. "You're not. We help each other." For a moment, he struggled for words, but really wasn't sure if they'd make sense. "We're bound together by good things and bad. That means you can never be a burden.

Magna looked thoughtful as she leaned into his hand in her hair and against her neck. Slowly closing her eyes, the lashes brushed her cheeks as she shook her head. "I've been alone all my life... I promise you, being alone is not what I want. Your company is what I want." Even standing at Sebastian's side or even Valentine's she'd been isolated. Utterly.

"You're here now." And that made her happy. Unbelievably happy. No matter the wait to get here, she got here. Pressing closer to his chest, she couldn't help but breathe him in. Her chest fluttered with happiness and her lips curled into a smile. "Alec... I don't think I've ever smiled this much before in my life. You know that?"

Tipping her head up, she caught his soft smile and she couldn't stop herself from touching his lower lip just a scant second. "Even the smallest smiles from you light up your eyes and everything around us." Poetry wasn't her forte, but the feeling could only be described like that. How else could she describe that?

Squeezing his hands at the whispered words, her cheeks warmed in happiness as well as shyness. Part of her whispered in her mind that Alec would never love her the same way she knew her heart was going for. "I feel the most at home where you are. I want us to move in together. Just... I don't want to force you to live like this." Which was why she was okay with looking for a new place together.

Releasing his hands, she pulled at the leather corset and shimmied it off to toss toward a box. She paused, still in the soft and plain dress playing with the fabric. She'd been wearing it... so really she shouldn't make him deal with dirty clothes. "I should change..."

But the worry evaporated at his words. Leaning into him, she grinned just a little. "Bound together." She said the words in repeat softly. "I like that... We are..."

It seemed strange that someone other than his family wanted to spend time with him. The Clave made it obvious that he was unwelcome and other Shadowhunters his age ignored him. It was something he was used to, making the fact that Magnus wanted him near was something precious to him. "Since you want me near, then I'll stay with you as much as I can."

That was what he wanted too. Not just because she comforted him, but he enjoyed her company. She didn't find it odd that he liked music and studied subjects that no one else seemed interested in. For the first time in years, Alec felt like there was nothing wrong with him. The thought made him smile and he realized that what she'd said about being happy was true for him as well. "I haven't either. I... There weren't a lot of reasons to smile even before Valentine and Sebastian started all this."

A blush crept across his face at the compliment, breath stuttering slightly as Magnus touched his lip. Everything with Magnus was new to him, even the simplest touch. No matter how much he told himself that he should keep his distance so that she wouldn't think the worst of him, his heart still skipped a beat whenever she was near.

"I wish I knew how to tell you how much you mean to me." Alec had mostly gotten over his childhood envy of Jace, but now he couldn't help wanting his parabatai's ability with words. Maybe then he could tell Magnus how important she was without making it sound like something Sebastian might say.

Shaking off the thought of Sebastian, he focused on the idea of being with Magnus for more than just a few hours at a time. "I don't want you to live like this. If I move out, then the Clave has to pay me something. It won't be much but it'll be a start."

Reluctantly, he let go of her hands, reminding himself that he couldn't cling to her no matter how much he might want to. "I don't mind dirty clothes if you don't." Alec had spent too much time hunting demons for things like that to bother him, but if changing made Magnus feel better that was what mattered. "I can go outside if you..."

Words were forgotten as Magnus moved closer, agreeing that they were bound together. For a moment, all he could do was stare into her golden eyes. "I - uh - I like that too.

She'd notice the attitude that people gave Alec. How they treated him or simply ignored him. It made her angry. It made her want to do petty childish things to get even with them. But the moment she raised a finger against a shadowhunter, they'd kill her. So she sent death glares and ill thoughts while simply staying at Alec's side. Ever present and faithful. "I know... and I'll do the same for you if that is what you want..." She hoped he wanted it.

Her eyes glittered at his words and she nodded to him. If she could see her own expression, how it softened and lit up for him, she wouldn't believe it was her. He changed something at the core that bled out like light through cracks. "Your smile is beautiful... I hope I can continue to make you smile."

And then those words caused her gaze to shift to something curious. Studying his visage, she finally spoke softly. "Little things. Actions. How you stay close to me. Smile at me... The things you do without saying a word... That's how you tell me the most important things I need to know." Alec wasn't a 'pretty talker'. The hunter spoke in his own language. If not blunt honesty... then in actions. "It's that honesty that adds to why I adore you."

The admission made her flush. But she wouldn't take it back. He needed someone to make him realize how amazing he was. How great he was for her. "I have to admit... It might be foolish, but I feel like we can do it if we do it together." It didn't have to be rich and pricey. It just had to be home. Alec... Alec became her home.

Smiling at him lovingly, she moved to slide the cloak off and draped it over the foot of the bed for extra comfort. The off-white color of her dress still managed to hug her curves but not like her normal clothes. It offset the exotic sex appeal and gave her a softer prettier look. Not that she knew that or thought it.

Waving a hand at the small fire place, it lit easily with magic. Which made her feel free to lean into his arms and soak in his presence. "No.. if you don't mind, I can stay like this. Did you want to strip off the gear?" Glittering gold rose to his eyes curiously. "I can curl up and wait for you?" Because clinging to him would make it much harder on him.

Smiling at the idea of Magnus wanting to be near him drew a shy smile from him as he gently brushed his fingers through her hair. It amazed him that she wanted him close after everything that had happened to her. He couldn't help feeling special - important- because she wished to have him near. "I do want that, Magnus."

Looking down at her, he wished he had the words to tell her how beautiful she was but he was afraid that anything he said would sound trite or like something that others had said to her while trying to talk her into their beds. He cared too much for her to risk angering or hurting her in such a way. But his thoughts were reflected in his eyes and in how careful he was when he touched her.

Though his expression turned to shock then relief when she explained how she knew how he felt. "Most people don't take the time to notice. They think that I don't care because I can't put things into words." There was more to it than that. Alec had spent so much time in the shadows, protecting his siblings, that most took him for granted or assumed he was cold because he was usually quiet. Jace and Izzy knew that wasn't true... and now Magnus did as well. "Actions are more honest and words should be honest and if they can't be, it's better to be silent."

Which was why that simple word caused butterflies to explode in his chest. Adore... Izzy would laugh at him for being so caught up on something so simple, but he'd never expected Magnus to say such a thing. Or for it to mean so much to him when she did. He'd never dreamed that when he'd first seen her that this would happen. "I feel the same way about you."

And that made it difficult to let her go even if he knew he had to. At least distance allowed him to take in the change in fashion, something that Alec approved of despite everyone's complaints about his lack of interest in clothing. Her old clothes had reminded him of her role with Sebastian. The pale dress made him think of new beginnings.

Her magic was something he was getting used to but it still seemed strange since it was something he'd rarely seen before meeting Magnus. He took the spell as a hint to shed at least some of his gear. "I should take off the weapons at least. You should get comfortable while I deal with them." Moving to the head of the bed, he started removing the blades that he carried with him and anything else that would be uncomfortable for them both, leaving them where they could easily be reached if needed.

Then, he hesitated, unsure of how much of his gear he should take off. He'd slept in it before and would again if Magnus wanted him to. "Do you want me to keep the rest of it on?"

The play of emotions on his face had her a little nervous at first. Had she gotten it wrong? But the relief and his words eased her mind and she rose up on her toes to hug him about his neck. "You're right. Actions should speak louder than words. And you've been nothing but honest with me. That's very important to me."

And that smile grew in brightness as he returned the silly notion she'd been so shy to reveal. She adored Alec with all her heart. He quickly became a focal point in her life and she didn't want to disappoint him or make him sad. And knowing he felt that way about her... it made her feel lighter. Like the world was suddenly a better place for it.

She still smiled in excitement as she'd gotten the room ready for them to sleep. "You should. The weapons will just make you uncomfortable... and I can tell you need sleep." She could see it around his eyes and the hue of his skin. When not blushing he seemed even paler. They both knew nightmares. And at first she'd not thought she helped, but seeing him now... it became obvious that she was help to him.

Pulling the covers back and sliding onto the bed, she paused to look up at her closest friend and man she knew she had fallen for. Blinking, she slid her eyes over his body and felt the heat rise in her skin. Breathing in slowly, she pulled feline eyes back up to his and smiled softly. "You can take off as much as you need to in order to feel comfortable." Pausing, she knew he would worry more about her so she added with a small smile. "And I can't say I enjoy clinging to armor. It puts these red lines on my skin. Very unflattering."

She smiled up at him, pulling her legs under her as she watched him. The line wasn't just a line... she did wake up that way because nothing would or could stop her from curling into him. Not even her intents to behave so to speak. She still scooted closer and held on to him before the end of the night. So it wasn't really 'manipulative'. Even if her biggest concern was his comfort.

When Magnus' arms went around his neck, Alec leanaed down toward her, his hands settled on her waist to lift her slightly so that she wouldn't have to stretch so far. For a moment, he couldn't speak, caught up in the color of her eyes. He'd noticed before, but now he couldn't seem to think of how beautiful they were. Blinking slowly, he realized he'd probably been staring. Hopefully Magnus wouldn't think it was strange since his honesty would probably have him stuttering something embarrassing and incomprehensible. "I want you to be honest with me too. I don't want there to be lies coming between us."

He'd seen that happen with so many of the people around him. It would break his heart if something happened and they no longer were close, especially if the cause was distrust between them.

Her smile chased away those thoughts and he couldn't resist pulling her in to hug her, pressing his cheek to her hair before letting her get ready to sleep. As he did the same, he glanced at her occasionally, suddenly feeling shy even though they'd slept together at least a dozen times. Telling himself he was being foolish, he finished setting his weapons aside before considering how much of his gear he could take off without offending Magnus.

Alec knew that Magnus understood that he wouldn't do the the things that Sebastian had, but it still worried him that she might become frightened of him. She had been hurt by the people who were supposed to care for her. He couldn't betray her faith in him even by accident. But they were both tired and Magnus was right. His armor would make them both uncomfortable. What he wore beneath should be enough to keep things proper between them.

Laughing at the idea of his armor causing that 'unflattering' look, he stripped off the leather, placing it close to the bed. "I can't ruin your attempts at being fashionable." Alec knew there was more to it than that. She would cling. They both would. And the armor might hurt her, especially if he started having a nightmare before she noticed and woke him up.

Ignoring the butterflies that seemed to have multiplied, he got into bed and stretched out beside her, smiling softly to ask her to curl up with him. "Thank you for letting me stay."

Her grin grew immensely as he picked her up. Fingers gently tangled into Alec's hair as she leaned in to touch their foreheads while her feet curled up lightly. Something whispered in her head to kiss him, but she simply smiled instead. "I will be. You're the first I've ever been honest with... and I want us to stay close."

She'd do anything to make sure of that. Even as her feet lighted on the ground again and Magnus bounced just a little on the balls of her toes. He made her feel young and happy. He made her look that way too. No one had ever given her so much.

Even things she couldn't explain... Like the little happy giggle as he hugged her and pressed into her hair. Hugging him tight, her eyes glittered warmly when he finally pull away. For a short moment, she wanted to blurt out words she never even considered being true in her life. And even though she lassoed in that desire, she still turned over the thought in her head.

Picking at the hem of her dress, she would meet his eyes each time he looked over at her. And each time she'd send him that adoring look that only he got. At his laugh, she beamed for the way it lit up his eyes. Scooting closer, she tucked her hair behind her ears as she winked at him. "I can't help it if I like to stay pretty for you."

Then as soon as he sent that smile, she invaded his space and curled up against him. Gently sliding her fingertips along his jaw, she purred at him. "You're always welcome wherever I am."

Looking down at Magnus when her fingers caught in his hair, he felt something change briefly between them. For a moment he thought she might kiss him, hoping flaring brightly before he told himself that Magnus wouldn't. After what she had been through, Alec doubted she would ever think of kissing him.

But the thought of wanting Magnus to kiss him... that surprised him, throwing him mentally off balance for a moment. His crush on Jace had been a constant for years. So had his assumption that he preferred males. To suddenly want Magnus to kiss him was something he'd never expected. "Let's keep that honesty as much as we can."

Some things he might never be able to tell her even if he did figure them out, but they wouldn't harm them. If he was right about his feelings, then it would be better to not say anything in case she believed he was manipulating her the way Valentine and Sebastian had.

It would be hard not to tell her the truth if she kept looking at him like that but he had to. He wouldn't hurt her or make her uncomfortable. She was too important to him to risk that happening.

Pausing while pulling off his armor, he gave her a shy smile. "I always think you're pretty." It wasn't the best compliment, but it wasn't really meant as one. Alec always thought she was pretty, at least he did once Alec realized that Magnus wasn't going to hurt him and she wasn't loyal to Sebastian.

That smile turned to a grin as Magnus lived up to her promise to cling, letting him snuggle close until he finally felt like there wasn't a part of him missing. Tilting his head to keep her hand on his jaw, he ignored the nervousness that seemed to want to live in his chest. "I always want to be with you."

For some reason, she thought she saw something in his eyes. Something that wanted more, but she couldn't put her finger on it. The sensible voice reasoned that he wouldn't want her. Not like that. But something inside said love had no gender. Which was why the desire to tell him her feelings grew when he asked her to stay honest as long as they could. "I promise."

Turning the thought over in her head, her mind came to a screeching halt when he told her she was pretty. A look of wonder and amazement washed over her face before she grinned a thousand watt smile. It settled the matter instantly in her head.

His smile made her flush a little even as she half rolled on top of him and flattened her hand softly to his cheek. Leaning down, she brushed the softest of kisses to the bridge of his nose. "I always want to be with you, Alec. And... I need to tell you something. Because I promised you I'd be honest..."

Smoothing her fingertips over his cheek, she brushed the pad of her thumb to the corner of his lips. "I've been feeling it for a while... that... that crazy unexplainable falling feeling. Like poets and lyricists always talk about. Like a million... butterflies or something just.... explodes in my chest just at the thought of you."

Her skin flushed brighter and she lowered her eyes to his chin. Lips parted in a slow deep inhale before she tried again. "Alec... I love you..." Her voice came out a whisper and she forced her eyes to meet his. Love. A word she'd thought of as mythical and unobtainable. And yet there it was. Hanging in the air between them like fragile glass. Made a reality by being given voice.

Alec couldn't help feeling slightly guilty when she promised to be honest with him. Hiding his feelings wasn't honest, but how could he tell her how he felt when she'd been manipulated and hurt so many times? Friendship would have to be enough and it was a type of love so it wasn't a complete lie.

And if not telling her meant that they could be together in some way, then he'd be grateful for what he had. Especially when she gave him smiles like the one that his comment about her being pretty had earned. Pretty didn't begin to describe her. She was beautiful in every way he could think of.

Wrapping his arms around her, Alec flushed slightly as Magnus settled on top of him and kissed his nose. His smile faltered slightly when she said there was something she needed to tell him before he reminded himself that if there was any danger she would have warned im before now. And if she didn't want him near, she wouldn't have offered to let him stay or curled up with him.

"I..." Stuttering slightly, he waited for the worst only to stare at her in confusion when she said she felt like she was falling. Magnus felt the same way he did with the butterflies and the falling and... "You love me?"

The words seemed to echo through his mind until he slowly reached up to trail his fingers along her cheek, watching her with a look of shocked wonder. "I love you too. I didn't think you'd... I was afraid that you'd never feel like that about me."

Settling into his arms, she felt at home there. Like she fit in that embrace. Like they were made for this. The thought made her smile broadly even if she felt nervous. Her heart beat fast in her chest as she waited for his response.

At first she wasn't sure what he felt. His face and expression were a tumult of surprise and something like disbelief before he simply seemed stunned. Her eyes lowered at the question and she almost ducked her head, but she owed him more than that. "I love you." And repeating it again, she said it with sureness. No room for question at all.

That touch brought her eyes back up and she met his gaze with hope in her own feline eyes. Leaning into his fingers, she bit into her lower lip waiting. Anticipating. Until he returned those words. Everything melted inside and she finally took a breath. Wrapping her arms about him, she buried her face in his neck. "You love me..." It was the most amazing feeling in the world.

"Oh Alec... I've known I was falling for you since the moment you stubbornly refused to leave me behind." The care and kindness... she'd not been just an object to him like everyone else. "I tried to be just a friend. To be content with just that... but I find knowing you for me... is loving you." Together or apart.

Even if it always felt like he'd found some important part of himself whenever Magnus was near, he still couldn't quite believe that she loved him. At least in a way that was more than just friendship. It was something he had been wanting but had been so sure he could never have.

But her tone made it obvious that she truly felt that way and her promise to not lie to him meant that she really did love him in the way he'd slowly begun to hope for. Looking into her eyes, he saw similar emotions reflected there that caused his heart to stutter. Gently brushing his fingers through her hair as she pressed her face to his neck, Alec almost felt like laughing because of the happiness he felt.

After so much horror and fear, they had hope and love to bind them together.

"Yes, I love you." And Magnus loved him, something he hadn't expected. Although his stubbornness wasn't really a reason he'd thought of for reasons that Magnus might love him. "I couldn't leave you behind after everything you'd done. Even if you hadn't risked yourself, I couldn't have left someone there who wanted to escape." Remembering the kisses she'd given him, he kissed her hair, finally knowing that some signs of his feelings wouldn't offend her. "I want there to be more than just friendship between us. I want to be with you, Magnus. In whatever ways you want."

Smiling at the kiss to her hair, she hugged him tighter and snuggled down into his chest finally. Sprawling onto him, she let one set of fingers play with the hair at the back of his neck as best they could against the pillow while she listened to him. "I love you for more than that... It was just my first inclination..."

Lifting up to look into his eyes, she smiled at him warmly for those words. Not even an hour before she'd thought she'd never have his love... and now she did. If that was possible, the possibility of him wanting more also became real. He wouldn't lie to her. "I want you in every way... I need you."

Her face heated up, but she didn't stop. Leaning down, their lips brushed together softly at first giving him time to pull away. Then she closed that gap between their lips and kissed him soft and sweet. Nothing pressing, just a sweet loving kiss that poured her feelings into him through actions instead of words. When she pulled back, she cupped the side of his face and swept her thumb along his cheek.

"I love you, Alec... I am yours."

Humming softly at the feeling of her fingers at his neck, the butterflies settled slightly, becoming a warmth that seemed to spread through him. "I'm glad it's more than just that." As he held her, he tried to think of when he'd realized he loved her but it had been something that had happened slowly. "I don't know when I realized it. Sometime after we got away. It just felt like this is how it should be." The rescue had been part of it, but Alec had the feeling that even if they had met in different circumstances - ones that hadn't involved Valentine or Sebastian - he would have eventually felt the same way.

Meeting her gaze, he gave her a soft, adoring look that reflected the truth of his words. He loved her and with each day he cared for her a bit more. "I want you too. I..." He hesitated a moment, unsure of what to say. He knew that she might mean more than what they had together now and that was something he nervously wanted eventually. But after what had been done to them, Alec didn't want Magnus thinking that he would make demands the way Sebastian had.

The words turned to a quiet, surprised sound when she pressed her lips to his. One hand slid into her hair, not holding her but simply touching. Returning the kiss with love and gentle adoration, he momentarily forgot about his worries and focused on the moment and showing Magnus how much she meant to him. As they parted, a faint flush warmed his cheeks as he nuzzled her hand. "I love you too. I'll always be yours."

"I don't think it's that important if you remember how or when..." She'd only known when they met that she could fall for him. All she knew was that it happened. Each moment of every day since they met... Like an endless tumble into happiness. "It feels right... you and I. Together..."

Leaning in closer, she nuzzled into his cheek and exhaled softly. "It's okay. One day at a time... we'll get there." Smiling gently, she kissed down his cheek before she softly bumped his chin with her nose. The happiness of revealing and receiving feelings of love... she didn't even think it would ever happen to her. Falling in love and being loved in returned. It felt like living a dream.

Kissing him gently, she smiled against his lips as he kissed back. The purr she couldn't seem to control bubbled up in her chest. Smoothing his a hand through his hair, she bumped their noses gently. Part of her wanted to kiss him again, but she didn't want to push him too fast or ask for too much. Softly winding his hair about her fingertips, she smiled at him with utmost love and affection. "You're my future..."

"It does." Alec hadn't understood it at first. Things shouldn't have felt right after they escaped, but each moment he spent with Magnus had brought a happiness to his life that he'd never thought possible. She was everything he'd hoped to find but had resigned himself to not being able to have.

Relieved that she understood even if he still wasn't sure what he'd meant to say. He wanted to be with her, but he didn't want to rush. It was better to take their time than to risk ruining things because of impatience. And, if they waited, it might give Alec time to figure out what she might expect of him.

Laughing softly as she nudged his chin, he shifted so that he could kiss the end of her nose. Looking into her eyes, he wondered how forward he should be, and then kissed her again before he could reconsider. "And you're mine. As long as you want me, I'll be with you." Cupping her neck, he began to rub lightly, trying to find any spot that felt tense beneath his fingers. "Tomorrow we'll look for a place. Someplace that can be a home." Something that he had the feeling that Magnus had never had before.

"I've never felt right ever in my life... not until I met you. I felt..." She searched for the words as she pressed close to him for his warmth. "I felt like I was wrong in my own skin. A stranger trapped and watching someone else. You make me feel so alive and... happy... I never knew what happy was till I met you." Before had been moments of material pleasure. An accessory was pretty. Food tasted good. No real happiness.

Snuggling further into him, she sighed a happy sounds. "You make me so happy..." Something she'd long given up on. Yet here she was... exceedingly happy. Grinning softly to herself, she met his eyes with glittering gold cat eyes. "You're it for me."

Purring into his lips as Alec caught her lips in another kiss. Shivering in delight in his hold, She felt the rumble in her chest rise with each little thing he did for her. "I have a feeling... I'll always want you." Leaning into the hand on his neck, she closed her eyes and smiled in utter content. "Okay... I want that. Our place. Alec..." She opened her eyes and met his practically glowing. "Alec... your'e my home."